Saturday, February 1, 2014

Quick Coaster Tutorial

After my last post I got a few e-mails asking me how I made that little log cabin coaster in one of the photos. I realized that some of you are new quilters or perhaps you just have not tried to make a coaster before. So here's a quick tutorial for making one. I used a different block to show you how to construct it because - duh - this one is already made.

This sweet Heart & Spool block below is the block we're using for the Quilt of this Month in my Yahoo group. Jane M. designed it and I will only take credit for using pink instead of red. (You can get the instructions by joining the group from somewhere on the sidebar of this blog.)

Make your block - Choose a leftover 4.5" x 4.5" or 5" x 5" block from your collection if you have one or find a block you would like to use. Or, choose a plain square of a pretty fabric. Then, cut a square for the back and a square of cotton batting the same size as your block.

Pin your squares together on the side where the opening will go (for turning) and don't sew between the pins. You may wish to pin all the way around if you like. Then, stitch the layers together using a 1/4 inch seam all the way around (again, don't sew between the pins, leave that part open).

﻿

I know it's hard to see the stitching in the photo but I sewed 1/4 inch away from the edge. Trim your corners for less bulk.

Turn right side out through the opening. Use a blunt end tool (nothing sharp) to push the corners out and then smooth them out.

Press the edges of the opening under 1/4 " and pin. Then stitch 1/8 inch around the entire edge of the coaster, making sure you catch the pressed seam.

Isn't it cute? I hand quilted a little heart inside the heart and was thinking about also embroidering my initial in the center.

Well, that's done. I had a horrendous morning dealing with computer and e-mail issues. Definitely time for a cuppa!

Well I just love the block in pinks and browns and the hand stitched inner heart. I need to start finding more links. The two shops here in town on,y have electric pinks... Your initials would be lovely addition to the piece. I may have to get my long stifled calligraphy alphabets to vote to "visit" me again.

Oh I love where you went with this. I have some pretty tiny florals that will make up nice mug rugs with this pattern ! So pretty Kathy.I think this would work great this month...I am going to try it and have the girls try it too.BlessingsLindafaithfulacres7@gmail.com

.

I'm a quilt designer and author of five quilting books for Martingale. I love making small quilts with an antique look and find inspiration in quilts from the past and the women who made them.
Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KathleenTracyQuilts.
See more of my quilts, books and patterns at http://www.countrylanequilts.com/

Visit My Something Blue Blog

Join my Dear Jane support group

The Civil War Sewing Circle

Visit my Etsy Shop

Translate Blog

Join my Flickr group

Quilts by Kathleen Tracy

Country Lane Quilts

Quilt patterns and books

Free Patterns

My patterns

If you're using one of my patterns on your blog or as a challenge for your group or guild - either the free ones from my website or my yahoo group or perhaps from one of my books - please make sure you give me credit for writing the pattern and drawing up the design and ask permission before you reproduce or distribute it. Thanks!